MMORPG: REBORN MARK ADVENTURE IN ONLINE GAME

Sophie's Calculated Opportunism

Sophie leaned back in her chair, fingers drumming rhythmically against the wooden table as she scanned the incoming messages. The requests for aid kept pouring in—leaders of once-powerful guilds now reduced to desperate pleas for help. K's relentless assault had thrown everything into disarray, and the balance of power was shifting. Just weeks ago, Dark Solution had been the hunted, mocked by these very factions. Now, they were the ones on their knees.

She glanced around the dimly lit war room, the flickering lanterns casting long shadows across the cracked stone walls. Her lieutenants were gathered around a massive table, a detailed map of the region spread out before them. Markers indicated the locations of recent battles, each one a symbol of another guild crushed under K's rampage.

"These guilds want our help," Vance said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Are we actually going to give it to them?"

Sophie's lips curled into a smirk. "Not for free."

Vance let out a short laugh. "Figures. What's the price?"

She tapped a marker on the map, where Iron Fang had lost nearly everything. Just hours ago, they were a dominant force. Now, they were a shell of their former selves, their leadership in shambles, their members scattered. Soon, they wouldn't even be worth conquering.

Her eyes gleamed with amusement as she drafted her responses.

---

To Iron Fang's Leader:

"Dark Solution is willing to provide strategic support and coordinated strikes against K. However, war is costly, and we are not a charity. Our price: 500,000 credits upfront, plus 10% of all loot recovered from battle. Additionally, we require a steady supply of high-grade healing herbs and spirit-infused alchemy ingredients from your vaults. You are free to accept or continue watching your guild fall apart."

---

To Blood Pact's Leader:

"You require sanctuary? Reinforcements? We can provide both, but security has a cost. In return, Dark Solution demands full access to your alchemy stores, including all high-tier crafting materials, especially those related to potion refinement. A 200,000-credit contribution is also required upfront. If you cannot pay in full, we will accept payment in rare materials, including but not limited to Spirit Lotus, Moonshade Leaves, and Sunfire Essence. These resources will ensure your continued survival. The alternative is watching your members scatter."

---

To Shadow Reavers' Leader:

"You seek intelligence on K's movements? That information is priceless. Our price: 300,000 credits, plus permanent trade access to your black-market vendors. Additionally, we require regular deliveries of high-tier alchemical components, particularly spirit-infused flowers and energy-condensing herbs. Fail to provide these, and you can fend for yourselves."

---

Sophie sent the messages and leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. The silence in the room was thick with anticipation. Vance let out a low whistle.

"You're not just taking their money. You're stripping them for parts."

Sophie chuckled, swirling a glass of dark wine in her hand. "Why settle for gold when we can monopolize resources?"

Her plan was simple—alchemy was the backbone of warfare. Health potions, stamina boosters, mana restorers—all essential for survival in prolonged battles. By controlling the supply, she controlled the battlefield.

"These guilds are desperate," she continued, her voice smooth, confident. "Right now, they're focused on staying alive. But once this crisis ends, they'll want revenge. If we take their money, they'll hate us. But if we take their resources, they'll be dependent on us."

Mark, another of her lieutenants, frowned. "You really think they'll agree to this?"

Sophie smirk

The First Guild Folds

A sharp knock echoed through the war room, followed by the creak of the heavy wooden door swinging open. One of Sophie's scouts entered, bowing slightly before speaking.

"Iron Fang's leader has responded."

Sophie smirked, already knowing the outcome. "And?"

"They agreed. Sent the credits immediately—500,000 in full. They also confirmed access to their alchemy vaults and have begun gathering the first shipment of Spirit Lotus and Moonshade Leaves."

Vance let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Damn. That was fast."

Sophie took a slow sip of her wine, savoring the taste of victory. "Of course, it was. They lost most of their power hours ago. They know they're finished without us."

She placed her glass down and leaned forward, her fingers laced together. "Have our people meet with their alchemists. I want an inventory list of every herb, every rare material they possess. No shortcuts. If they're hiding anything, I'll know."

The scout nodded. "Understood."

Before he could leave, another runner rushed in, breathless. "Blood Pact and Shadow Reavers responded too."

Sophie raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Blood Pact is hesitating. They say they can provide the credits but need more time to gather the materials."

Sophie clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Then they'll pay extra for the delay. Double the alchemy supplies. No exceptions."

The scout nodded, scribbling down notes. "And Shadow Reavers?" Sophie asked.

"They agreed to everything but are trying to negotiate for a lower percentage on black-market access."

Sophie let out a sharp laugh. "They're in no position to bargain. Tell them the deal stands as it is. If they don't like it, they can try surviving on their own."

The scout hesitated. "And if they refuse?"

Sophie's smile was cold. "Then we make an example of them."

Vance chuckled darkly. "You're planning to take them out?"

"Not yet." Sophie's fingers tapped against the table. "Let them struggle a bit longer. If they refuse, we'll make sure they regret it."

She stood, stretching lazily before turning to her lieutenants. "For now, focus on securing the resources from Iron Fang. Once we have full control over their alchemy vaults, we'll move on to the next phase."

A wicked grin spread across her face. Dark Solution wasn't just surviving. They were taking over.